Jezki has thrown his hat into the ring for this season’s Champion Hurdle with a solid if unspectacular victory at Fairyhouse.
Jessica Harrington’s stable star is one of a host of youngsters looking to topple 17-time Grade One winner Hurricane Fly when he attempts his third Champion Hurdle, with My Tent Or Yours, like Jezki owned by JP McManus, shooting to prominence in Saturday’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Jezki stepped up to 2-1/2 miles (4000m) for the first time this campaign and was 4-6 favourite in the hands of Tony McCoy.
The five-year-old travelled through the contest like much the best horse in the race, but the front-running Diakali did not fade tamely and last year’s winner Zaidpour was also staying on doggedly on the run to the final flight.
A small mistake from Jezki briefly gave his rivals hope, but once shaken up the market leader asserted his authority.
McCoy, on board My Tent Or Yours at Newcastle, was unsurprisingly none too keen on comparing the pair, but once again confirmed his opinion that both had some way to go before they could think about getting the better of Hurricane Fly.
“It was a good enough performance. He’s done it pretty well and was very professional,” McCoy said.
“He’s a bit like the horse that won yesterday (My Tent Or Yours). They are good novices from last year, but they have to improve to beat Hurricane Fly.”
Paddy Power left Jezki unchanged at 8-1 for the Champion Hurdle behind The New One, My Tent Or Yours, Our Conor and Hurricane Fly.
